Sofa-bed-dining table combination

ABSTRACT

A expandable mobile house trailer which includes a relatively rigid main body portion having a floor structure and opposite pairs of vertical side and end walls thereabout. Two parallel arch beam supports are located inside of the main body portion. Each of the arch beam supports is positioned adjacent to and affixed to one of the vertical side walls of the main body portion. The ends of the floor are attached to the corresponding ends of the two arch beam supports. A plurality of vertical structural tension members is affixed at spaced intervals to each of the two arch beam supports. The floor is suspended from the lower ends of the vertical structural member. Two of the structural tension members on each of the two arch beam supports are paired, act as main support members and have substantially more structural strength than the other structural tension members. The floor of the main body portion has a wheel well opening on each side between the two paired structural tension members. There are two wheel means which each includes at least one wheel. Each of the wheel means is positioned in one of the wheel well openings and is mounted on each end to one of the paired structural tension members. The wheel of each of the two wheel means is movable in a horizontal line which is parallel to the line of travel of the trailer. There is also a relatively rigid upper body section having a roof structure and vertical side and end walls which correspond, respectively, to and are positioned outside of the side and end walls of the main body portion. The upper body section is telescopically associated with the main body section. There is means reacting between the main body section and the upper body section for raising and lowering the upper body section with respect to the main body section in the telescopically associated relationship.

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 403,323,filed on July 30, 1982, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,752.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to mobile trailers, particularly mobile housetrailers, which are collapsible and expandable. The invention alsorelates to mobile trailers which have load-distribution adjustmentcapability.

BROAD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a mobile vehicle trailerconstructed to permit the body portion thereof to be adjusted withresepect to the wheels thereof into a position whereby the body portionis properly weight balanced. Another object of the invention is toprovide a suspension structural system for a mobile vehicle trailer. Afurther object of the invention is to provide an expandable trailer. Astill further object of the invention is to provide a secure door systemfor a mobile vehicle trailer. Other objects and advantages of theinvention are set out herein or are obvious herefrom to one ordinarilyskilled in the art.

The objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by the trailerof the invention.

The invention involves a collapsible or expandable mobile house trailer.The trailer includes a relatively rigid main body portion having a floorstructure and opposite pairs of vertical side and end walls positionedabove the floor. Two parallel arch beam supports are located inside ofthe main body portion. Each of the arch beam supports is positionedadjacent to and affixed to one of the vertical structural tensionmembers which are affixed at spaced intervals to each of the two archbeam supports. The floor is suspended from the lower ends of thevertical structural members. Two of the structural tension members oneach of the two arch beam supports are paired, are main support membersand have substantially more structural (tension, flexural andcompression) strength than the other structural tension members. Thefloor of the main body portion has a wheel well opening on each sidethereof between the two paired structural tension members. There are twowheel means which each includes at least one wheel. Each of the wheelmeans is positioned in one of the wheel well openings and is mounted oneach end to the lower portion of one of the paired structural tensionmembers. The wheel of each of the two wheel means is movable in ahorizontal line which is parallel to the line of travel of the trailer(or the side of the trailer). There is also a relatively rigid upperbody section having a roof structure and substantially vertical side andend walls which correspond, respectively, to and are positioned outsideof the side and end walls of the main body portion. The upper bodysection is telescopially associated with the main body section. Theupper body section provides tight and weatherproof enclosure of the mainbody portion when the trailer is in the expanded position or thecollapsed position. There is means reacting between the main bodysection and the upper body section for raising and lowering the upperbody section with respect to the main body section in the telescopicallyassociated relationship. Such means is preferably a mechanical slidesystem powered by human effort or a motor(s).

The trailer of the invention has the capability of easily having theposition of its wheel relative to the rest of the trailer adjusted(forwards or backwards) to effect a balance of the trailer. The correctrelative position depends upon the center of gravity of the trailer andits load, if any. There is a mechanism adapted to shift or move thetrailer wheel relative to the remainder of the trailer.

The trailer of the invention is a livable trailer, termed "The ComputerHome", which enriches the art of year around living on wheel. In thisday and age, when all is so expensive, it may be advisable for manyfamilies such as, young couples, working couples, military and retiredcouples, to consider miniturizing all phases of day-to-day living inorder to accomplish all that is desired and necessary for health,comfort, happiness and tranquility. In search of a solution to thismassive problem of living, the invention trailer home, a new concept ofyear around living, scales down in size and cost daily living to whereit is managable and affordable, yet the trailer home still accomplisheseverything in the art. It accomplishes to the fullest the livingrequirements expected of a conventional home, a trailer home, a traveltrailer or a combination of any of these. The present demand ofimmediate readiness for a long weekend, a month, a year or possibly therest of one's life away from work is provided for by the trailerinvention home. One can just hook-up and go.

The invention develops a floor plan with a greater area to contain thefunction of living on a miniaturized basis with split level. To save thespace normally lost in the chassis area of the underbelly, the chassisis replaced by a cable suspension bridge type curved tube which works inreverse. All the superstructure at the underbelly is moved to a networkof ribs to form the hull. To solve the problem of weight displacement, aweight distribution system is used to adjust the weight for safe smoothtowing and retain conventional vehicle suspensions for a comfortableride when not towing. The fresh water tank is superimposed over thewaste water tank between the wheels inside the basement. The fresh waterwhich is used will return to the waste water tank immediately under thefresh water tank without weight displacement. The two feet expansion topmakes adequate space in the living room and bedroom when raised,provides security from theft, from roll over in stormy weather and savesheating and air conditioning when lowered. In the lower position, allwindows are blanketed to six inches view for inside light, security fromtheft and roll over.

This invention also involves a three-compartment sink device for use ina mobile trailer or the like, such as the expandable mobile trailer ofthis invention. The three-compartment sink device includes, incombination, an L-shaped stand, a sink having three compartmentsarranged in an L-shape and mounted in the top surface of the L-shapedstand, a garbage disposal, and at least one fresh water faucet locatedabove or in the upper region of one of the three compartments. At leastone of the three compartments has a drain hole, and preferably all threecompartments each have a drain hole. The garbage disposal is located inthe drain hole of one of the three compartments, and preferably islocated in the central compartment. Each of the drain holes is capableof being connected to a waste-water storage tank. Each of the waterfaucets is capable of being connected to a fresh-water storage tank orother source. Preferably a water faucet is located in the compartmentcontaining the garbage disposal, and another water faucet is located inone of the other two compartments. Preferably the sink device has abottom space for a butane tank. The bottom space is enclosed except foran opening on one end for inserting or removing the butane tank andallowing outside air circulation to protect against a butane leak.

This invention involves a desk-vanity-sewing machine combination devicefor use in a mobile home or the like. Such combination includes acabinet having an upright piano-like shape, and a vertical wallseparating the interior of the cabinet into a front chamber and backupper and lower chamber. There is a desk top, which has a hinged frontportion. There is a vanity cover, which is hinged on the top edge of thevertical wall and which is located on top of the front chamber below thedesk top. A (conventional) invertible sewing machine is mounted on thebottom of the front chamber or a vertical shelf therein. Front supportlegs (usually two) are mounted at the edge of the front chamber. Whenthe desk top is lifted up, the back upper chamber and the vanity coverare exposed. Preferably a butane heater is located in the back lowerchamber which has a vent located in the front vertical wall of the backlower chamber.

This invention involves a sofa-bed-dining table combination device foruse in a mobile home or the like. The device includes two vertical backsupports which are apart from each other and which are capable of beingmounted on a wall or the like. There are two horizontal hollowcylindrical members which are spaced apart from each other, which areaffixed to the bottom of the two vertical back supports and which arecapable of being mounted on one end in a wall or the like. An elongatedtop slot traverses most of the length of each of the horizontal hollowcylindrical members on the end of away from the wall. A cabinet islocated in a horizontal position between the two horizontal hollowcylindrical members. There are two wheel units, which are each affixedin a horizontal position on one of the ends of the cabinet. The wheel ofeach wheel unit is rotatably positioned in the elongated top slot of oneof the horizontal cylindrical members. A short vertical support memberis mounted on the front edge of the cabinet to support it. A table topis hinged on its top edge of the cabinet. A horizontal cushion ispositioned on top of the horizontal cabinet. A vertical cushion ishinged to the two vertical back supports, so that the vertical cushionis slightly slanted outwards at its lower end when the horizontalcushion is in place and the cabinet is in position against the twovertical back supports. Hinged supports are pivotally affixed to thebottom of the cabinet which serve as supports for the table top when itis in an upwardly pivoted position. The hinged support fits flushagainst the cabinet when not in use. The device forms a sofa when thecabinet is in position against the wall. The device forms a bed when thedevice is partially positioned away from the wall, with the verticalcushion now against the two back supports. The device forms a cabinetwhen the device is fully positioned away from the wall with the cabinetand top cushion rotated into a vertical position. The device also formsa dining table when the table top of the vertically-positioned cabinetis swung up into a horizontal position by means of one end of the tabletop being hinged to the top of the cabinet.

Preferably the two wheel units of the sofa-bed-dining table combinationare located completely within the cabinet, which has two vertical slotsin its back wall that are aligned with the wheels of the wheel units andthrough which the two horizontal hollow cylindrical members extend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon consideration of the following specification and theaccompanying drawings wherein there is disclosed preferred embodimentsof the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the expandable,mobile, house trailer of the invention, with the trailer in thecollapsed road or travel mode;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with thetrailer in the expanded park or living mode;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1., with theside facing walls cutaway, showing the structural features of thetrailer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4--4 is FIG. 3;

FIG. 4a is a cutaway sectional view of the guidance system shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5--5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of the trailer of FIG. 1 inthe collapsed mode;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the bottom portion of the trailer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of embodiments of the wheel system ofthe trailer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the load adjustmentsystem of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view along line 10--10 in FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view along line 11--11 in FIG.9;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the load adjustment system of the inventionwhere a beam support system is used instead of a floor support system;

FIG. 13 is a partial view of a wheel embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the trailer of FIG. 1 showing thedoor;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the front trailer cover of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a side, partially cutaway, elevational view of the nose coverof FIG. 15 in closed position;

FIG. 17 is a side, partially cutaway, elevational view of the nose coverof FIG. 15 in open position;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the gear box of the nose cover ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the adjustable support tube of thenose cover of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the tightening device of the nosecover of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a partial, back elevational view of the front trailer coverof FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the three-compartment sink shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 23 is a view along line 23--23 in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of the desk-vanity-sewing machinecombination shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the combination of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a partially cutaway side view of the sofa-bed-dining tablecombination of this invention;

FIG. 27 is a top view of part of the support system of the combinationof FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a top view of part of the combination of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the hinged supports used in the table made ofthe combination of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 30 is a top view of the hinge arrangement of the supports of FIG.29; and

FIG. 31 is a partial view of the combination of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detailbelow.

In FIG. 1, the expandable mobile, home, trailer of the invention isindicated by numeral 100. Trailer 100 has main (lower) body portion 104and upper body portion 108. FIG. 1 shows trailer 100 in the collapsed,road position or mode. Main body position 104 is mounted on wheels 112(two wheels on each side are shown and preferred, but one or more wheelscan be used on each side)--the manner mounting wheels is discussed belowand shown in other drawings therein. Wheels 112 are rotably mounted onaxles 116. The usual trailer hitch 120 (only partially shown) is affixedto the bottom of the front frame of main body portion 104. Referring toFIG. 6, trailer hitch 120 is affixed to two frame cross beams connectingshort beam 128. Trailer hitch 120 may also be equipped with any usualleveling or supporting screw device (not shown). Main body portion 104has windows 132 and upper portion 108 has windows 136.

The upper portion of main body portion 104 telescopically fits withinupper body portion 108. FIG. 2 shows trailer 100 in the expanded, liningmode or position.

Referring to FIG. 7, main body portion has front wall 140, back wall144, sides 148 and floor 152, which is supported on cross beams 124. Theback half of main body portion 104 contains platform 156. Platform 156has floor 160 mounted on cross beams 164 and base wall 168. Platform 156forms boat storage (lower) compartment 172, which has an access door(not shown) in rear wall 144. Boat trailer 176 is shown in FIG. 5 inplace in compartment 172, although any other suitable item or items canbe stored therein. Platform 156 also forms bedroom - living area (upper)compartment or section 182. The front half of trailer 100 is maincompartment or section 186. Upper body portion 108 has roof 192, frontwall 196, back wall 200 and sides 204.

FIG. 6 shows sky roof 208 (preferably six feet long by five feet wide)in roof 192 of upper body portion 108 located over platform 156. Sincesky roof (light) 208 can be reached by any grown person, the latching,unlatching and moving back and forward can be done by hand. The openarea is completely screened (not shown) to keep bugs and flies outside.Upon unlatching sky roof (208), four springs (not shown) push it up to aposition where it will clear the sky opening weather guards (not shown)and can then be rolled back and forth on two rails (not shown).

Under platform 156, on both sides, is a compartment 212 which has uppermechanical area 216 and wheel well 220. Each upper mechanical area 216and wheel well 220 is separated by heavy plate 224. As shown in FIG. 4,the edge of floor 224 is mounted on each beam 232. Each compartment hasinner side wall 236 and back wall 242.

FIG. 7 shows main compartment 186, wherein from front to center is thekitchen area with appliances including washer/dryer maching 248superimposed, sofa/bed 252 and bathroom 256. This is a fully habitablearea before expansion if conditions so require, such as a low profileduring stormy weather or utilities savings during extreme weatherconditions. Fresh water tank 260 is superimposed over waste water tank264 between the wheel wells 220 inside of storage compartment 172.Weight distribution wise, this is a great improvement from conventionaltrailers since fresh water as used will return to waste water tank 264immediately under fresh water tank 260 without weight displacement. Allutility containers and pipings as such are located inside trailer 100 toavoid freezing or other destruction. Preferably storage compartment(basement) 172 is fifteen feet long by two feet high inside for stowingaway from the living area, anything within reason from a golf bag withattachments to a fourteen foot light motor boat (176) to be used whenthe occasion presents itself.

FIG. 7 also shows compartment 182 for the living room and bedroom areaon the split level floor above storage compartment 172. All furnituremanufactured or constructed in place are no higher than three feetexcept refrigerator 268 and bathroom 256 which are in the kitchen area(186). This provides a panoramic view from any position throughouttrailer 100. For example, a wide screen television set with the screensituated at the entrance door can be viewed from the entire areaincluding the hospital type bed in the rear bedroom. Sliding roof 208over living room 182 provides a sky view six feet long by five feet wideor more if desired in order to enjoy the sky and fresh air, to give afeeling of being outside and to take sun baths in privacy. Insideentrance to the basement is via the raised construction under bed 272 byraising hospital type bed 272 to a right angle. A three foot wideentrance 276 is developed to the basement (172). This also gives anextra foot in height to a total of three feet, the size of the underbed,at the entrance of the basement (172) for maneuvering. When the basement(172) is entered from the bedroom, a person has standing and maneuveringspace in the underbed area.

Air conditioner 280 is located on roof 192 over the kitchen area ofcompartment 186.

In the road position, trailer 100 is typically eight feet four incheshigh (exterior top from ground). The kitchen area (186) is then six feetseven inches inside height which are normal height for trailers. Theliving room and bedroom (182) on the split level floor are then fourfeet three inches inside height which is accessible in a bent positionbefore expansion. However, the kitchen (186) is fully equipped forhabitation before expansion for an indefinite period since sofa bed 252and bathroom 256 are also on that level. Note that at the on-road(collapsed) position windows 136 are blanketed to typically six inchesview which provides security from theft. The on-road position alsoprovides security from roll over and stormy weather since the height hasbeen lowered and the center of gravity is definitely at rock bottom, allweights being on the lower floor one foot four inches from the ground.

The park or expanded position, after a typical two foot expansion,increases the inside height of the living room and bedroom 182 to anormal acceptable six feet three inches inside height. This is thenormal position for habitation when parked except when going away theroof may be lowered to the road position for utilities savings byreducing the cubic space to be heated and air conditioned. Windows 136are automatically closed to about six inches for security from theft andthe outside height is reduced two feet for security from stormy weather.

The main structural system of trailer 100 is shown in FIG. 3. Arc beam284 acts similar to a cable suspension bridge, but with the arc inreverse. Arc beam 284 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as a rectangular tube(preferred welded) to the outside end of horizontal beam segment 288.The rear end of horizontal beam segment 292. Beam segments 288 and 292are shown as rectangular tubes (preferred), but they also can have anyconvenient solid or tubular cross-section. Cross beams 124 are thebottom part of side supports 296. Tubular beams 300 are located insideof and at the top of side walls 148 and each is affixed at itsmid-points on top of an arc beam 284--this is best seen in FIGS. 3 and7. Tubular beams 304 and 308 are located inside of and at the top offront wall 140 and end wall 144, respectively.

Side (tension) supports 296, which are preferably tubular andrectangular in cross section, are welded (or otherwise affixed) to botharc beams--see FIG. 5. The upper ends of side supports 296 are welded toboth top side beams 300. Supports 296 curve under floor 152 as beamportions 124 and support floor 152. Cross beams 164 are welded on bothends to the vertical arms of supports 296 (or their equivalent).Verticular tubular (tension) supports 312 are short and only extend fromtubular top beam 300 to short horizontal beam 316. Side (tension) heavysupports 320 are similar in shape and location to side supports 296,except that side supports 320 have to be considerably stronger (i.e.,stronger structurally) and provide sufficient tension, flexural, lateraland compression strength. The ends of each short horizontal beams 316are affixed (preferably welded) to the vertical arms of side supports320. Floor 224 in each compartment 212 is metal (preferably steel) andis thick enough to provide the necessary strength to serve the functionsexplained below. Each side of each end of floors 224 are welded (orotherwise affixed) to a vertical arm of side supports 320. Verticalshort support beams 324 are welded to the appropriate upper cross beam164 and the bottom segment of the appropriate side supports 320.

Each end of compartments 212 is heavy metal plate 328, which is weldedon its edges to support 320, cross beam 164 and vertical beam 236--seeFIG. 8. Each end of floors 224 are welded to vertical plates 328.

Metal (steel) box 332 is composed of bottom box portion 336 (havingfront end 340 and rear end 344) and lid 348. Jack-type screw 352 extendsall of the way through box 332 and is rotatably mounted at its ends inbox end walls 340 and 344, as shown in FIG. 9. Front end 356 ofelongated screw 352 is wider in diameter, fitting within mating tube 360affixed to front wall 340. A bearing can be present between front end356 and mating tube 360. Nut portion 364 is located on the extremity offront end 356. Back end portion 368 of elongated screw 352 fits throughbushing 372 and is smaller in diameter than the threaded part of screw352. After removing cotter pin 228, screw 352 can be removed out thefront side by unscrewing it out of nut 416.

Top lid 348 of box 332 contains elongated slot 376. Channel member 380contains threaded pins 384. Threaded pins 384 fit up through elongatedslot 376 and through holes 388 in the bottom of floor 224. Rotatable(internally-threaded) units 392 are located on the top surface of thebottom plate of beam 224. Pins 384 are threaded into rotatably units302. When rotatable units 392 tighten up, boxes 332 are fixed in place.To adjust, the position of boxes 332 can be moved to any desiredlocation within the confines of the length of slots 376. In this fashionthe position of the wheels (as explained below) can be adjusted tobalance the weight distribution of trailer 100 and its load. Pin 396fits across passageway 400 of rotatable unit 392. Pin 396 prevents thedownwards movement of ball bearing 404 without hindering its rotation orturning movement. Strap 408 holds ball bearing 404 in place andaccordingly holds rotatable unit 396 in place when pin 384 is completelyremoved (unthreaded). Guide strips 412 are located on the bottom edgesof beam 224 in the areas of rotatable mounted on elongated screw 352. Aretaining plate 420 is mounted from the top plate portion of channelmember 380 on each side of nut 416. Each retaining plate 420 can containa small groove so as to closely fit around the top region of elongatedscrew 352 is rotated in either direction. This means that when elongatedscrew 352 is rotated by means of wrench or the like applied to nutportion, box 332 is moved. (The movement of box 332 or screw 352 canalso be done hydraulically).

Two wheel units 424 and 428 are mounted on the bottom of each box orcarriage 332. (Two wheel units are preferred, but one or more than twowheel units can be used on each side of trailer 100.) Referring to FIG.13, the end leaf spring 432 is lapped around and welded to bushing 436on axle 116 (upon which wheel 112 is rotatably mounted). FIG. 13 dealswith preferred wheel unit 424. The other end of leaf spring is welded tothe bottom of block 440 and the top of metal block 440 is welded to thebottom of box or carriage 332.

Another version of the wheel units in wheel unit 428 - see FIG. 8. Oneend of leaf spring 444 is attached to the bottom of box 332 by bolts 448which extend through block 452 and the bottom of plate of box 332, beingaffixed by nuts located in channel 336. The nuts, etc., must be locatedso as not to interfere with the functioning of elongated screw 352.Wheel 112 is rotatably mounted on axle 116 which contains bushing 456 onits inside end. The end of leaf spring 444 is located in a groovebetween block 460 and plate 464 by means of bolts 468. Bolts 468 alsohold block 460 against bushing 456.

Longitudinal movement of wheel units 424 and 428 is brought about bylongitudinal movement of box 332, which is caused by rotation of screw352 by the turning of nut end 364 thereof. Access from the side oftrailer 100 into each upper mechanical area 216 and wheel well 220 isvia flap 472. This allows the turning of nut sections 392 and nut end364 as desired. Nut 416 is usually flush with the bottom of box 332 sothat it will not rotate when elongated screw 352 is turned.

The weight distribution system of the invention is designed to operatewith or without shock absorbers. It can be powered by hydraulic or jacktype screw. The container to house either power system can bepermanently lubricated when powered by the jack mechanism. The unitwithout shock absorbers is technically maintenance free. In view of theweight distribution system, the load is adjustable to the best weightfor smooth safe towing without changing the conventional car suspensionthereby retaining the usual smooth comfortable ride when not towing.

The means for raising or lowering upper body portion 108 are hydraulicjacks 476. [The motor(s) and hydraulic lines for hydraulic jacks 476 arenot shown-although the motors can be located in mechanical compartments216.] The upper end of each hydraulic jack 476 is affixed to roof 192,and the lower end of each is affixed to floor 228 (as shown in FIG. 4).Four pins 480 (the shape of which is shown in FIG. 7) are spaced on thesides (148) of main body portion 104 as shown in FIG. 7. The ends ofpins 480 fit in channels 484 correspondingly mounted on the inside ofthe sides (204) of upper body portion 108 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A.Channels 484 have top lips which keep pins 480 therein. When assemblyingor dissassemblying trailer 100, plugs 488 are removed (e.g., removingholding pins or screws, not shown) from the end of channels 484 so thatpins 480 can be inserted or removed resectively.

The walls around main body portion 104 are preferably aluminium. Forexample, 21/2 inches of insulation are placed between the inner andouter walls. Upper body portion 108 preferably composes an aluminiumouter skin, and an inner wall, spaced apart. A ribbing support networkand a layer of insulation are located between the outer skin and innerwall.

Boat trailer 176 handles a boat in the basement as well as on the road.It should be towed at reasonable speeds due to its light construction.It is designed to be inserted in basement compartment 172 with the boat(not shown) in position for permanent storage, except the engine and thetwo wheels which should be removed and placed in the boat. The framework504 of boat trailer 176 is built of strong light special alloy with theusual rubber supports 492 for the boat and a securing post (not shown)at the top to secure the boat on the boat trailer 512 to slightly liftthe trailer and roll it on the floor. As the wheels approach theentrance door boat trailer 176 and the boat are sufficiently advancedand stable to remove both wheels 500 to be stowed in the boat. When boattrailer 176 is in position , it is secured to the floor with two boltsto keep boat trailer 176 stable.

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of the door facilities of the invention.When upper body portion 108 is in the collapsed position, outwardlyopening door 516 cannot be opened. Of course, one can have door 516 openinwardly but such arrangement loses the burglar proof aspect of thefirst arrangement. (Door 516 also has a lock.) Front wall 196 of upperbody portion 108 has cutout portion 520 which is as wide as door 516.When upper body portion is in the up or expanded position, all of door516 is exposed so that door 516 can be opened outwardly. There wouldhave to be an external switch (preferably lockable) to operate hydrauliclifters 476.

The invention also includes the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 21.Swingable front cover 524 is shaped like an aircraft rounded nose, butcan also be any other shape similarly designed to reduce air resistancethereby saving fuel and which also protects the glass front door 516(see FIG. 14) against weather elements and rocks when towing in the roadposition. It is the installation area for the front running lights,flood lights, outside entrance light, television, radio and CB unitantennas and any other desired small instruments.

Swingable front cover 524 includes flat plate 528, with sloping topplate 532, side sloping plates 536 and bottom sloping plate 540, anddome 544 mounted on the front side of flat plate 528. Access door 548can be hingedly mounted in the center of flat plate 538 for entry intodome 544 (see FIG. 15). The two gear boxes 552 contain plate 556, whichis welded to the backside of flat plate 528 (see FIG. 21), hole 560 andgears 564, which are aligned linearly (see FIG. 18). Tube 568 extendsthrough holes 560 as seen in FIG. 21. Pins 572 affixed on tube 568 keepslateral movement of tube 568 in relation to gear boxes 552. Gears 576are located about halfway around the circumference of tube 568 and meshwith gears 564. Gear 576 and gears 564 allow movement of tube 568 withinhole 560 away from or towards flat plate 528 as tube 568 turns.

The two short tubes 580 rotatably fit over tube 568 and are kept inlateral position on tube 568 by pins 584 on tube 568. Each arm 588 isattached on one end to a short tube 580 (perpendicular relationship) andthe other end is positioned in tube 592 in a telescopically associatedrelationship (see FIG. 19). Pin 596 is inserted into any of matingpassageways 600 through arm 588 and tube 592 to affixedly position arm588 and tube 592 in relation to each other. A short tube 604 is attachedin a perpendicular manner to the lower end of tube 592. The two shortplates 608 are parallel and affixed to wall 140. Pin 612 holds shorttube 604 between parallel plates 608 in a rotatably manner. The rotationarc of telescoping support unit 616 is restricted by 604 and block 624mounted on wall 140. Rubber grommet 628 is located on the edge ofsloping top plate 532, and rubber grommet 632 is located on the edge ofsloping top plate 536.

FIG. 16 shows front cover 524 in a vertical position against the frontof trailer 100 (over most of the exposed portion of door 516). Frontcover 524 is held in place by support unit 616 and attachment unit 636.Referring to attachment unit 636 includes tube 640 and shaft 644 whichextends through tube 640. Thumb plate 648 on one end of shaft 644 isthreaded. Clip 656 is pivotally attached on one end to tube 640 and fitsover tube 592. Clip 656 can slide up or down tube 592 as required.Threaded end 652 of shaft 644 is screwed into internally threaded shortnipple 660 mounted on front wall 140 of main body portion 104, whichdraws front cover 624 tightly against front walls 104 and 196. Shaft 644is turned by means of wrench 664, the square end of which fits into thesquare hole of short tube 668 mounted on the top of thumb plate 648.Each short tube extends through a hole in flat plate 528 (see FIG. 16and 20). A key locking device (not shown) can be mounted on bottomsloping plate 540 to lock front cover 524 to front wall 140.

FIG. 17 shows front cover 524 in a horizontal position, allowing accessto door 516 and providing a "patio" or "shade" roof. Front cover 524 isheld in place by support unit 616 and attachment device 636 and issupported on the outer portion by adjustable leg unit 672. The forwardswing of support unit 616 is restricted by bottom pin 620 encounteringsmall block 624. Adjustable leg unit 672 includes base tube 676 and arm680, which is slidable in tube 676. The upper end of arm 680 is hingedon the bottom of flat plate 528 and the bottom of tube 676 sits on hitch120. Pin 684 is inserted through any of mating passageways 688 througharm 680 and tube 676 to affixedly position arm 680 and tube 676 inrelation to each other. When not in use, adjustable leg unit 672 isswung up against flat plate 528 and held in place by clip 692. Threadedend 652 of shaft 644 is screwed into one internally threaded shortnipple 660 by means of thumb screw 648 (or short tube 668 and wrench664)--this draws rubber grommet 628 tightly against front wall 196.

Changing the positions of front cover 524 in either FIG. 16 or 17 isdone by unscrewing threaded end 652 of shaft 644, particularly orcompletely.

All electrical and other wiring does not enter roof 192 top and allequipment installed in the nose attachment 524 are readily accessiblefor maintenance at an appropriate height and angle via trap door 548.Special rubber rain gutters can be placed all around the base of dome524 to act as a cushion to prevent vibrations, shocks, rattles, leaksand drafts when lowered and secured against the front of trailer 100 fortowing. Front cover 524 is secured to the lower body 104 of and only theunder part of the rubber rain gutters lightly presses against upper bodyportion 108 so as to permit the upper body portion 108 to still move upand down with ease.

When front cover 524 is raised to the park position, it provides ashelter for the entrance with adequate rain gutters except possiblyduring abnormal rain storms. If desired, a support pipe housed underfront cover 524 can be snapped into place as a drain pipe for the raingutters. A front porch floor can be used which is hinged so that itrests on tongue 120 when lowered and fits upright to fill in the areaunder front cover 524 when it is in the road position in order toprovide a uniform contact for the rubber rain gutters when towing. Therecan be two small hideaway steps providing access from either side oftongue 120.

Referring to FIG. 7, numeral 700 represents a three-compartment(three-hole) sink device for use in trailer 100. Three-compartment sinkdevice 700 is best seen in FIG. 22, with compartment covers 756, 760 and764 (not shown) removed. The three compartments (704, 708, 712) arrangedin a L-shape. Garbage disposal 716 is located in the drain hole (720) ofcompartment 708. Compartments 704 and 712 contain drain holes 744 and724, respectively. Compartment 704 is much deeper and longer than theother two regular sink compartments (704 and 712) in order to be able tohold dirty dishes until they are washed. Sink device 700 contains topcounter portion 728. Shelves 732 are located under top counter portion728. Front portions 736 and 740 of sink device 700 can containconventional cabinet doors (not shown). Sink drains 720, 724 and 744 canbe connected by means of piping or hoses (not shown) to waste-water tank264. Faucets 748 and 752 are mounted on the rim of compartments 704 and712, respectively, in a manner such that compartment covers 756 and 760,respectively, can be snugly fit on the top of such compartments. Faucet752 is swivel-mounted and can be swung over compartment 708, and canhave a rinse nozzle. The cold water is conveyed to faucets 748 and 752by means of a pump (not shown) or pressurized air in fresh-water tank260. The water of the hot water line of faucets 748 and 752 is heated bymeans of a heater, a hot water tank or the like (not shown) which can belocated in storage compartment 172, or within sink device 700 or anyother convenient place. The hot water is conveyed by means of a pump orthe like (not shown). The water to be heated is obtained fromfresh-water tank 260. Preferably compartments 704, 708 and 712 areconstructed of stainless steel. The sides of sink device 700 are coveredby boards or the like unless such sides are covered by cabinet doors orabut another wall (trailer wall or item wall). Pole 756 can be includedfor support, if desired. The addition of third compartment 704 providesa holding area for dirty dishes until the next washing. A dish rack (notshown) can be placed over compartment 708 for holding dishes, pots,etc., and rinsing with the rinse nozzle (not shown). The rinse waterwill drip in corner sink 708 having garbage disposal as shown in FIG.22. Third compartment 704 is covered, esthetic, sanitary, practical anda great saver of time and utilites since it can be programed to washdishes later by batch. Third compartment 704 also eliminates the needfor a dishwashing machine with its inherent cost all out of proportionwith that of three hold sink device 700.

As shown in FIG. 24, space 772 is formed in the bottom portion of sinkdevice 700 (below compartments 704 and 708) by means of shelf 700 (uponwhich detergent and the like can be stored). Aperture 788 is located inside 148 of trailer 100 and sink device 700 to provide direct accessinto space 772. Removable butane tank 764 is positioned in space 772behind removable vertical wall 768 (which has holes 792 therein). Butanetank 764 is held in place by means of strays or clamp device 880 andsring fingers 888 of end clamping device 884, and can readily be removedwhen desired by undoing clamps 880 and pulling tank 764 out of end clampdevice 884. The end of tank 764 is shoved into end clamp 884 when it isbeing mounted. Lines 776 and 780 butane tank extend through wall 768 andcommunicate with butane heater 796, the hot water heater (not shown) andthe like. Removable or pivotable screen 784 is mounted over aperture784, butane tank 764 can be replaced and/or installed and/or checked.Screen 784 and the holes in wall 768 provide air circulation for space772 and safety in case of a leak in butane tank 764.

FIG. 24 shows desk-vanity-sewing machine combination 800 of thisinvention, the location of which is shown in FIG. 8 in upper compartment182 of trailer 100 above furnace or heater 796. Desk-vanity-sewingmachine combination 800 is designed for better utilization of space inthe living room of mobile trailer 100 or the like. The technique is inthe use of the same space at different times of day to accomplishdifferent chores with adequate supplies and equipment incorporated fororder in the mobile home. Combination 800 has cabinet 804 which is verymuch shaped like an upright piano. Desk cover 808 is hinged so as toleave short flat part 832 on top of cabinet 804. The normal position ofcombination 800 is a desk with desk supplies incorporated. Vertical wall852 and desk cover 808 provide front chamber 836 and upper back chamber812. Upon raising the desk cover 808, the vanity portion consisting of amirror 816 on the back side of desk cover 808, vanity cover 820 and anycosmetic products in the storage space 812 are exposed. Upon raisingvanity cover 820 built-in sewing machine 824 with drawers is exposed (itis mounted on shelf 828). Sewing machine 824 is of the conventional typewhich can be inverted from the position shown in FIG. 24 when one wantsto use it. Horizontal wall 844 provides a bottom for inverted sewingmachine space 848. Front wall 852 contains aperture 856, and vent 860allows heat to pass out from heater 796 in lower back chamber 840.Butane heater 796 is located behind sewing machine 824 in front of thefeet. With proper insulation to protect the cosmetic products, this is aparticularly good location since the three functions accomplished inthis area immobilizes the feet for long periods, thereby demanding moreheat. Furnace 796 is also located in the center of trailer home 100 witheasy access for maintenance and close to the butane gas bottle (notshown) thereby limiting to a minimum the piping of gas and heat.Therefore, as a space saver and a routine organizer, furnace 796 iseffective and automatic. A person plus one decorative trunk type seat,plus an adequate established leg space can thereby perform secretarialfunctions, personal grooming and sewing in the same space whichtheoretically multiplies the limited space utilized by three times andalso saves on equipment bulk and weight. FIG. 25 shows front supportlegs 864.

FIG. 26 shows sofa-bed-dining table combination 252 of this invention,the location of which is shown in FIG. 7. Two horizontal pipearrangements 900 are horizontally mounted on vertical struts 296 orinternal wall 904 by means of internally-threaded short pipe 940 whichare affixed therein. Nipple 956 fits into short pipe 940 and into tee952 (see FIG. 27). Pipes 900 extend six inches (for example) out fromwall 904. Two vertical pipes 908 are mounted to wall 904 by means ofpins 912 and are affixed onto the top of horizontal pipe arrangements900 by being screwed into the top of pipe tee 952. Back cushion 916 isattached to vertical pipes 908 by means of dual hinged arms 920(shorter) and 924 (longer), which allows cushion 916 to be in a slantedposition when combination 252 is in the sofa mode. Cabinet 928 contains,in each end towards wall 904, internally-mounted wheel 968 (mounted onpin 972). See FIG. 28. Pipes 960 fit through vertical slots 992 in theback of cabinet 928 and are mounted enough above the bottom of cabinet928 to allow cabinet 928 to be swung into a vertical position asexplained below. In this manner pipes 960, etc., are located inside ofcabinet 928 and cannot be seen from the outside and do not interferewith cushion 936. The length of slot 964 is determined by the exactdistance cabinet 928 must be pulled out to fit snuggly in place when inan upright position. Cabinet 928 serves as a bed or sofa support forcushion 936. Short vertical lip 948 on the front end of cabinet 928supports the front of base 928 when it is in the down position. Frontlip 948 of cabinet 928 is typically two or three inches long. Whencabinet 928 is pulled out or cushion 936 is removed, cushion 916 swingsinto a vertical position against vertical pipes 908. Horizontal pipes900 do not touch floor 152. Cabinet 928 has table top 944 hinged (976)on the top rim thereof under front lip 948. See FIG. 29. The sittingportion of combination 252 is typically one and one half foot wide andsix feet long. To convert combination 252 into a single bed two feetwide, pull out cabinet 928 typically six inches from wall 904. Bypulling out cabinet 928 typically out another six inches and raising itupright, one forms (typically) a one foot wide wall cabinet with topspace for displaying of useful and ornamental objects. To set a diningtable when needed, pull up on front panel 944 of cabinet 928 to providea table typically six feet long and two feet wide with sitting places onboth ends and one side only for five or six persons (all looking outthrough a panoramic window). As shown in FIG. 29, pivotable supports 980(usually two in number about three feet apart) are swung out to providesupport for table 944. Supports 980 have pins 984 that fit into hinges988. Supports 980 fit flat against the bottom (or wall) of cabinet 928,without any overlap, when not being used. Supports 980 and pins 984 needto be sufficiently constructed as to provide the necessary supportstrength for supports 980. Hinge 976 is constructed so as to extend outa short distance from the bottom of cabinet 928 so that supports 980,when folded in, do not cause table top 944 to stick out from them andcabinet 928. Note that table 944 was under sofa 252 at the start, up asa front panel (doors) to cabinet 928 and then as a table to be returnedto its original position when desired. Again as a space saver, one ormore persons can sit on cabinet 928, sleep in the bed and dine at thetable thereby theoretically multiplying the same space three times andhaving the added attraction of compacting all of this hardware into aone foot wide wall cabinet to save space which is at a premium intrailer home living.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sofa-bed-dining table combination device foruse in a mobile home or the like, comprising in combination two backsupports, which are spaced apart from each other and which are capableof being mounted on a wall or the like, two horizontal hollowcylindrical members, which are spaced apart from each other, and whichare affixed to the bottom of the two vertical back supports and whichare capable of being mounted on one end in a wall or the like, anelongated top slot traversing most of the length of each of thehorizontal hollow cylindrical members on the end of away from the wall,a cabinet located in a horizontal position between the two horizontalhollow cylindrical members, two wheel units, which are each affixed in ahorizontal position on one of the ends of the cabinet, the wheel of eachwheel unit rotatably positioned in the elongated top slot of one of thehorizontal cylindrical members, a short vertical mounted on the frontedge of the cabinet to support it, a table top hinged on its top edge tothe front edge of the cabinet, a horizontal cushion positioned on top ofthe horizontal cabinet, a vertical cushion hinged to the two verticalback supports, so that the vertical cushion is slightly slanted outwardsthe horizontal cushion is in place on top of the cabinet and the cabinetis in position against the two vertical back supports, and hingedsupports pivotally affixed to the bottom of the cabinet which serve assupports for the table top when it is in an upwardly pivoted position,said hinged supports fitting flush against the cabinet when not in use,the device forming a sofa when the cabinet is in position against thewall, the device forming a bed when the device is partially positionedaway from the wall, with the vertical cushion now against the two backsupports, the device forming a cabinet when the device is fullypositioned away from the wall, with the cabinet and top cushion rotatedinto a vertical position, and the device forming a dining table when thetable top of the vertically-positioned cabinet is swung up into ahorizontal position by means of one end of the table top being hinged tothe top of the cabinet.
 2. The sofa-bed-dining table combination asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the two wheel units are completely locatedwithin vertical slots in the back of the cabinet aligned with the wheelsof the wheel unit and wherein the two horizontal hollow cylindricalmembers extend through the two vertical slots.